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U.S. Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Washington, DC 20520

Consular Information Sheet

 

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Please click on this link to read important information you should see before you travel abroad

This information is current as of today,

Argentina

March 31, 2006

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION:   Argentina is a medium-income nation that continues to emerge from a major financial crisis in 2001-2002.  Buenos Aires and other large cities have well-developed tourist facilities and services including many four- and five-star hotels.  The quality of tourist facilities in smaller towns outside the capital varies, and may not be up to similar standards.

ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS:  A valid passport is required for all U.S. citizens.  U.S. citizens do not need a visa for visits of up to 90 days for tourism and business.  U.S. citizens who arrive in Argentina with an expired or damaged passport may be refused entry and returned to the United States at their own expense.  The U.S. Embassy cannot provide guarantees on behalf of travelers in such situations, and therefore encourages U.S. citizens to ensure their travel documents are valid and in good condition prior to departure from the U.S.  U.S. citizens who also have Argentine nationality and who remain in Argentina more than 60 days are required to depart Argentina on an Argentine passport.  The application process for an Argentine passport is lengthy, and the U.S. Embassy is not able to provide assistance in obtaining Argentine passports or other local identity documents.  Children under 21 years of age who reside in Argentina, regardless of nationality, are required to present a notarized document that certifies both parents' permission for the child's departure from Argentina when the child is traveling alone, with only one parent, or in someone else's custody (click on the "international child abduction" link below for more information).  An airport tax is collected upon departure, payable in dollars or Argentine pesos.  See our Foreign Entry Requirements brochure for more information on Argentina and other countries. Visit the Embassy of Argentina web site at http://www.embajadaargentinaeeuu.org for the most current visa information.

See Entry and Exit Requirements for more information pertaining to dual nationality and the prevention of international child abduction. Please refer to our Customs Information to learn more about customs regulations.

SAFETY AND SECURITY:  Individuals and organizations with ties to extremist groups, including some known to provide financial support to designated foreign terrorist organizations, operate in Ciudad del Este, Paraguay, in the tri-border area between Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina.  No operational terrorist activities have been detected in Argentina, however, and the governments of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay are engaged in a coordinated effort, supported by the U.S. Government, to combat illegal activity in that area. Americans crossing from Argentina into Paraguay or Brazil may wish to consult the most recent Consular Information Sheets for those countries. 

In recent years, there have been a number of small bomb/incendiary incidents in metropolitan Buenos Aires, Mar del Plata, Santa Fe, and other cities. The bulk of the targets have been bank branches (ATMs), fast food restaurants, and Argentine government-affiliated offices.  These incidents usually occurred in the middle of the night and appeared intended to cause only property damage.  There has been no indication that these incidents were connected to international terrorism.

Demonstrations are very common in metropolitan Buenos Aires and occur frequently in other major cities, as well.  Protesters often block streets, highways, and major intersections, causing traffic jams and delaying travel.  While demonstrations are usually nonviolent, hooligans in some of the groups sometimes seek confrontation with the police and vandalize private property.  These groups occasionally protest in front of the U.S. Embassy and U.S.-affiliated businesses.  U.S. citizens should take common-sense precautions and avoid gatherings or any other event where crowds have congregated to protest.  Information about the location of possible demonstrations is available from a variety of sources, including the local media.  Additional information and advice may be obtained from the U.S. Embassy at the telephone numbers or email address listed at the end of this document.

Domestic flights are usually dependable. However, in recent months wage disputes have led to work stoppages, stranding passengers nationwide. Work slow downs resulting in long delays have also impacted domestic air travel. Another tactic employed by disgruntled employees is road blockages, restricting passenger access to the airport. Consult local media for information about possible strikes, slow downs, or road blockages before planning domestic travel. International flights have not been directly affected by local wage disputes.

Public transportation is generally reliable and safe.  The preferred option for travel within Buenos Aires and other major cities is by radio taxi or "remise" (private car with driver).  The best way to obtain safe taxis and remises is to call for one or go to an established stand, rather than hailing one on the street.  Hotels, restaurants and other businesses can order remises or radio taxis, or provide phone numbers for such services, upon request.  Passengers on buses, trains, and the subway should be alert for pickpockets and should also be aware that these forms of transport are sometimes affected by strikes or work stoppages.

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Internet web site, where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements can be found.

Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States, or for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). 

The Department of State urges American citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas.  For general information about appropriate measures travelers can take to protect themselves in an overseas environment, see the Department of State’s pamphlet A Safe Trip Abroad.

CRIME:   Most American citizens visit Argentina without incident.  Nevertheless, street crime in the larger cities, especially greater Buenos Aires, is a problem for residents and visitors alike.  Visitors to Buenos Aires and popular tourist destinations should be alert to muggers, pickpockets, scam artists, and purse-snatchers on the street, at bus and train stations, and cruise ports.  Criminals usually work in groups and travelers should assume they are armed. Criminals employ a variety of ruses to victimize unsuspecting visitors.

A common scam is to spray mustard or a similar substance on the tourist from a distance.  A pickpocket will then approach the tourist offering to help clean the stain, and while doing so, he or an accomplice robs the victim.  Another common scam is for victims to be approached by someone who distracts them, for example by unfolding a map and asking for directions, while an accomplice robs the victim.  Several American visitors and residents have been robbed of their watches and jewelry while walking on the street.  Cruise ship passengers are a favorite target of pickpockets and petty thieves. Passengers temporarily debarking in Buenos Aires should take extra precaution to safeguard their wallets, purses, and passports. While most American victims reported that they were not physically injured when they were robbed, criminals typically do not hesitate to use force when they encounter resistance.  Visitors are advised to immediately hand over all cash and valuables if confronted.  Wearing expensive watches or jewelry increases your chances of being robbed.  Your passport is a valuable document and should be well guarded.  Whenever possible, lock your passport and other valuables in a hotel safe, and carry a photocopy of your passport for identification purposes.

Along with conventional muggings, so-called "express” kidnappings continue to occur, especially in less well-off areas.  Victims are grabbed off the street based on their appearance and vulnerability; they are made to withdraw as much money as possible from ATM machines, and then their family or co-workers are contacted and told to deliver all the cash that they have on hand or can gather in a couple of hours.  Once the ransom is paid, the victim is usually quickly released unharmed.  There have been some foreign victims and visitors are particularly advised not to let children and adolescents travel alone.

The Argentine Federal Police have established a special Tourist Police Unit to receive complaints and investigate crimes against tourists.  In the year from January 2004 to January 2005, the Federal Police took action in 1,083 cases involving tourists, of which 162 involved American citizens.

INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME:   The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.  If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance.  The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, contact family members or friends and explain how funds can be transferred.  Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.  The Tourist Police Unit has a toll-free number, 0800-999-5000, for responding to tourist calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

See our information for Victims of Crime.

MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION:   The public health system in Argentina provides emergency and non-emergency services free of charge to all, regardless of nationality or immigration status.  However, the quality of non-emergency care in public hospitals is generally below U.S. standards.  Medical care in private hospitals in Buenos Aires is generally good, but varies in quality outside the capital.  Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization in private facilities and/or medical evacuation to the United States can cost thousands of dollars or more.  Private physicians, clinics, and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.

Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747); fax 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or via the CDC’s Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel.  For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization’s (WHO) website at http://www.who.int/en.

Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith.

MEDICAL INSURANCE:   The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and will cover prior conditions and emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. Please see our information on medical insurance overseas.

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS:   While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States.  The information below concerning Argentina is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance:

Driving in Argentina is generally more dangerous than driving in the United States.  By comparison, drivers in Argentina tend to be very aggressive, especially in the capital city of Buenos Aires, and frequently ignore traffic regulations.  U.S. driver's licenses are valid in the capital and the province of Buenos Aires, but Argentine or international licenses are required to drive in the rest of the country.  For further information, please contact the Argentine Automobile Club, Av. Libertador 1850, 1112 Capital Federal, telephone (011)(54)(11) 4802-6061, or contact the Embassy of Argentina as listed in the above section on Entry Requirements.

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information.  Visit the website of Argentina’s national tourist office at www.turismo.gov.ar.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT:   The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Argentina as being in compliance with ICAO international aviation safety standards for oversight of Argentina’s air carrier operations.  For more information, travelers may visit the FAA’s Internet web site at http://www.faa.gov/safety/programs_initiatives/oversight/iasa.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: In addition to being subject to all Argentine laws affecting U.S. citizens, dual nationals may also be subject to other laws that impose special obligations on Argentine citizens.  In some instances, dual nationality may hamper U.S. Government efforts to provide protection abroad. 

Argentina is a geographically diverse country with mountains, forests, expansive deserts, and glaciers, making it a popular destination for outdoor and adventure sports.  Despite the best efforts of local authorities, assisting persons lost or injured in such remote areas can be problematic.  American citizens have been killed in recent years while mountain climbing, skiing, trekking, and hunting.  Persons planning travel to isolated and wilderness areas should first learn about local hazards and weather conditions. Information about parks and wilderness areas can be obtained from the Argentine National Parks Service athttp://www.apn.gov.ar. Current weather forecasts are available from the Argentine Meteorological Service at http://www.meteofa.mil.ar.  Reports of missing or injured persons should be made immediately to the police so that a search can be mounted or assistance rendered.  Persons traveling in isolated areas should always inform park rangers, police, or other local authorities of their itinerary before starting off.

Please see our information on Customs Regulations.   

CRIMINAL PENALTIES:   While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law.  Penalties for breaking the law can also be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses.  Persons violating Argentina's laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned.  Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Argentina are strict, and convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and fines. Engaging in sexual conduct with children and using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country are crimes prosecutable in the United States. 

Please see our information on Criminal Penalties.

CHILDREN'S ISSUES:   For information on international adoption of children and international parental child abduction, see the Office of Children’s Issues website.

REGISTRATION/EMBASSY AND CONSULATE LOCATIONS:   Americans living or traveling in Argentina are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy through the State Department’s travel registration website, and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Argentina. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the U.S. Embassy.  By registering, American citizens make it much easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency.  The U.S. Embassy is located at Avenida Colombia 4300 in the Palermo neighborhood of Buenos Aires (near the Plaza Italia stop on the "D" line subway).  The main Embassy switchboard telephone is (011)(54)(11) 5777-4533.  Recorded consular information, including instructions on whom to contact in case of an American citizen emergency, is available at tel. (54)(11) 4514-1830. The main Embassy fax is (54)(11) E5777-4240.  The Consular Section fax is (011)(54)(11) 5777-4293.  The Consular Section is open to the public from 8:30a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except on American and Argentine holidays. Additional information on Embassy services available to U.S. citizens is available on the Internet at http://buenosaires.usembassy.gov, or by e-mail: BuenosAires-ACS@state.gov.

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This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated August 24, 2005 to update Sections on Entry/Exit Requirements, Safety and Security, Crime, Medical Insurance Traffic Safety and Road Conditions, Aviation Safety Oversight, and Special Circumstances.